The Amazing Authorities Podcast

What if you could make your first million selling digital products without printing books, shipping inventory, or handling physical fulfillment?

In this episode of Amazing Authorities, Mitch Carson explores the entrepreneurial journey of a digital publishing pioneer who turned carefully researched ebooks into a thriving online business. Starting with a £20 ebook about property investment in Bulgaria, he built a catalogue of property guides, expanded into more than 100 career guides, and developed automated sales systems that generated revenue around the clock.

But the ebooks were only the beginning. He went o...

What happens when a pastor trades the pulpit for the FBI—and discovers that the skills used to help people can also uncover the truth behind some of the darkest crimes?

In this episode of Amazing Authorities, Mitch Carson sits down with Eric Robinson, a former FBI agent with 24 years of service, to explore his extraordinary career transition from senior pastor to federal investigator. Eric shares how listening, empathy, and creating a sense of safety helped him connect with victims, witnesses, informants, and suspects in high-stakes investigations.

Rather than re...

What does it take to leave a nearly 30-year corporate career and build a successful business around leadership, relationships, and real-world impact?

In this episode of Amazing Authorities, Mitch Carson sits down with Dr. Kevin Gazzara, who spent nearly three decades at Intel and helped train more than 40,000 managers before transitioning into entrepreneurship and leadership development.

Dr. Gazzara shares the principles that helped shape his entrepreneurial journey, including his Eight Ps framework: Planning, Provisions, Product, Presence, People, Publication, Partner, and Persistence. He explains why entrepreneurs need more than a...

What happens when you sell hundreds of thousands of dollars from the stage, only to discover that the money can be delayed, refunded, or even lost?

In this episode of Amazing Authorities, Mitch Carson sits down with speaking industry veteran Brett Ridgway for a candid conversation about the business realities behind professional speaking, event sales, publishing, and building a reputation that lasts.

Mitch and Brett reveal the financial risks speakers can face, from merchant account shutdowns and massive chargebacks to delayed event payments and high refund rates. They also...

What happens when you have the expertise, the passion, and the message, but nobody can find you?

In this episode of Amazing Authorities, Mitch Carson shares the lessons behind his journey from manufacturing and finance into television, marketing, podcasting, and personal branding. From pitching products to millions of Home Shopping Network viewers to helping experts build authority in the age of AI search, Mitch reveals the principles that continue to drive visibility and influence.

He breaks down why ethical sales is really about solving problems, why fear is a...

Most businesses don’t have a lead problem—they have a follow-up problem.

In this episode of Amazing Authorities, Mitch Carson sits down with Jason Buckner to break down the systems behind high-converting follow-up, from the power of 7–10 touchpoints to the surprisingly high engagement of SMS.

Jason reveals why persistence beats charisma, how AI-powered SMS bots can automate sales conversations, and why transparent pricing can attract better high-ticket buyers. He also shares real-world results, including an art gallery that generated $63,000 in sales through SMS follow-up and webinar attendance that jumped...

What happens when a successful founder becomes the biggest bottleneck in their own business? In this episode, Mitch Carson sits down with Derek Fredrickson to explore how founders can move from being the person who does everything to becoming the owner who leads, delegates, and builds a business that can operate without them.

Derek explains the role of a fractional COO as the bridge between a CEO’s vision and day-to-day execution. Rather than simply advising from the sidelines, fractional COOs help turn ideas into repeatable processes, create accountability, monitor performance, and make sure im...

From immigrating to the United States after the collapse of the Soviet Union to building and rebuilding multiple businesses, Max Emma’s journey is a powerful story of resilience, adaptability, and entrepreneurship.

In this episode, Mitch Carson sits down with Max Emma to explore the realities of franchising, what actually makes a franchise successful, and how entrepreneurs can avoid costly mistakes when choosing a business opportunity. Max shares his experience growing a construction company from 3 to 96 employees, rebuilding after the 2008–09 recession, and eventually entering the franchise industry through bookkeeping and consulting.

Building authority isn't just about having expertise—it's about believing you're worthy of being seen, surrounding yourself with the right people, and consistently putting your knowledge into the world.

In this episode of Amazing Authorities, Mitch Carson and Rochelle Callard explore the mindset and strategies behind becoming more visible, building lasting authority, and adapting to the rapidly changing world of AI-driven search. They discuss how fear of success, negative social circles, and self-doubt can keep talented experts invisible—and why commitment, professional support, media exposure, and continuous learning are essential for breaking through.

Your skills might get you the job—but your reputation can determine how far you go.

In this episode of Amazing Authorities, Mitch Carson explores with David Kennington why reputation is one of the most valuable assets a tradie can build. They discuss how reliability, problem-solving, professionalism, communication, and going the extra 10–15% can help tradespeople stand out, earn greater trust, and create better career opportunities. David and Mitch also reveal why simply doing great work isn't always enough—you need to make your achievements visible.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

• Wh...

Writing the story is only the beginning—getting it published, marketed, and into the hands of readers can be the real challenge.

In this episode of Amazing Authorities, Mitch Carson interviews author T.A. Thompson about his journey from a childhood passion for fiction to becoming a published author. T.A. shares the inspiration behind The Mark, a dystopian novel set 500 years in the future, his upcoming book Arcing, and his plans to explore horror and fantasy with Liber Animarum. He also reveals why he avoids writing formulas, how dark humor and unexpected twists sh...

Workplace bullying can damage confidence, relationships, careers, and wellbeing...but staying silent isn't the only option.

In this episode of Amazing Authorities, Mitch Carson interviews Colleen McAvoy, therapist, advocate, and author of the upcoming book Bullies Be Gone, to explore the realities of workplace bullying and how people can respond without losing themselves in the process. Colleen shares her personal experiences with toxic managers, ineffective HR responses, and the difficult decision to leave unhealthy workplaces. She also explains how emotional regulation, empathy, self-care, and understanding bullying dynamics can help people regain control and move...

Great customer service isn't just about answering calls—it's about understanding why customers call in the first place and fixing the problems that keep them coming back.

In this episode of Amazing Authorities, Mitch Carson interviews Tom Vander Well, customer experience expert, founder of Intelligentics, author, and speaker. Drawing on more than three decades of experience and over 100,000 analyzed customer calls, Tom reveals how businesses can reduce customer churn, improve loyalty, and uncover hidden operational issues through call analysis. He also explains where AI helps customer service—and where human expertise remains irreplaceable.

Play isn't a distraction from work—it may be one of the most powerful tools for building happier teams, reducing burnout, and unlocking creativity.

In this episode of Amazing Authorities, Mitch Carson interviews workplace play expert, speaker, and author Jodi Salmond to explore how leaders can transform company culture through the power of play. Jodi shares practical strategies for reducing workplace stress, improving employee engagement, fostering psychological safety, and creating high-performing teams where innovation thrives. Whether you're a CEO, manager, HR leader, or entrepreneur, this conversation offers actionable ways to make work more enjoyable—and...

Getting featured in the media isn't about luck—it's about telling the right story to the right audience at the right time.

In this episode of Amazing Authorities, Mitch Carson interviews Liz H Kelly—award-winning publicist, entrepreneur, author, and founder of Goody PR. Liz reveals the proven publicity strategies behind securing 54 television interviews in just 8½ months during the 2024 solar eclipse campaign. She shares how small businesses, authors, and entrepreneurs can create newsworthy stories, leverage AI without sacrificing authenticity, and build a personal brand that consistently attracts media attention.

WHAT YOU'L...

What does it take to survive catastrophic injuries, overcome addiction, and fly one of the world's most dangerous machines again? For Dan Schlund, it took relentless courage, resilience, and an unwavering refusal to quit.

In this episode of Amazing Authorities, Mitch Carson sits down with Dan Schlund, one of only 11 professional rocket belt pilots in history. Dan shares his extraordinary journey from flying vintage rocket belts and surviving life-threatening crashes to rebuilding his life, launching a multimillion-dollar business, and turning his incredible story into the memoir The Last Rocket Man and an upcoming documentary. This episode is...

Can God speak through dreams? How do you know if a dream is from God, your own mind, or something meant to discourage you?

In this episode of Amazing Authorities, Mitch Carson interviews Danielle Steckis, dream interpretation coach, author, and speaker, to explore the biblical principles of dream interpretation and spiritual discernment. Danielle shares her remarkable personal story of receiving a prophetic dream years before meeting her future husband, explains the three types of dreams, and reveals why prayer—not dream dictionaries—is the key to understanding God's messages. Whether you're curious about dream inte...

Building a successful podcast and business isn't about overnight success—it's about consistency, smart marketing, and surrounding yourself with the right team.

In this episode of Amazing Authorities, Mitch Carson interviews entrepreneur, podcast host, and marketing strategist Jackson Calum to uncover the strategies behind growing a podcast from just 125 subscribers to over 16,000 in only two months. Jackson shares why AI is transforming digital marketing, how abundance thinking fuels business growth, and why leadership, teamwork, and long-term commitment are the true foundations of entrepreneurial success. Whether you're a podcaster, business owner, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed wi...

Grief can feel overwhelming, but healing doesn't happen by waiting... it happens through intentional action.

In this episode of Amazing Authorities, Mitch Carson sits down with grief recovery coach Jeremy Greening, founder of Valleys to Victory, to discuss how anyone facing loss can begin rebuilding their life through small, practical daily steps. Drawing from his own journey through the sudden loss of both parents, Jeremy shares the proven Victory Framework—a simple roadmap that helps people move from pain and paralysis to purpose and progress.

Whether you're navigating grief, ma...

Teaching children about money isn't just about saving...it's about building character, responsibility, and lifelong financial confidence.

In this episode of Amazing Authorities, Mitch Carson sits down with financial educator, author, and parenting advocate Ernest Tan to discuss practical strategies for raising financially responsible children. Ernest shares why delayed gratification, transparency, and consistent parenting are essential to developing healthy money habits. He also introduces his powerful "Maturity Ladder," a framework that helps parents guide children from understanding needs versus wants to becoming responsible stewards of wealth.

Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or...

Play isn't a distraction from success—it's one of the most powerful tools for creating happier people, stronger teams, and more resilient leaders.

In this episode of Amazing Authorities, Mitch Carson sits down with Jodi Salmon, leadership expert, speaker, and author of The Element of Play, to explore why play is essential for workplace culture, personal wellbeing, and long-term success. Drawing from her journey from marine biologist to global play advocate, Jodi shares practical strategies that help leaders reduce burnout, improve team connection, and unlock greater creativity through intentional play.

...

Today's education system is leaving too many children behind—and parents are often left wondering how to help.

In this episode, Mitch Carson sits down with Rochelle Callard, an educator with more than 25 years of experience as a teacher, principal, and tutoring business owner, to discuss the growing challenges facing students, parents, and schools. Rochelle shares why the current education system struggles to meet the needs of most children and what parents can do to confidently advocate for their child's success.

Drawing from decades of experience, Rochelle introduces her Sc...

Most tradesmen work hard for decades—but never learn how to make their money work for them.

In this episode, Mitch Carson sits down with David Kennington to discuss the financial strategies, mindset shifts, and investment principles that helped him move from financial struggle to building long-term wealth. Drawing from personal experience, David shares how self-managed superannuation, real estate investing, and disciplined money habits transformed his financial future.

David explains why many hardworking tradespeople remain trapped in a cycle of earning and spending, how mindset often becomes the biggest ob...

What happens when you stop trying to fit in and start building a business around who you truly are?

In this episode, Mitch Carson sits down with Chris Shurian to explore a remarkable entrepreneurial journey filled with victories, setbacks, reinvention, and personal growth. From building and selling businesses to creating a memorable hot rod and Harley-themed restaurant brand, Chris shares the lessons learned through decades of entrepreneurship and leadership.

Chris opens up about the importance of authenticity, the role family plays in defining success, and how overcoming challenges like...

What does it really take to stand out as an author in today’s crowded and AI-driven marketplace?

In this episode, Mitch Carson sits down with Aaron Ryan to discuss the realities of modern publishing, audiobook narration, author branding, and the growing disruption caused by artificial intelligence. With nearly 45 books published across fiction and nonfiction, Aaron shares the strategies that helped him build authority, engage loyal readers, and create multiple streams of visibility in a rapidly evolving industry.

Aaron explains why authentic enthusiasm beats hard selling, why Amazon ads ou...

What if you could build a high-income business from your laptop—without needing inventory, a franchise, or even a special license?

In this episode, Mitch Carson sits down with Jon Chintanaroad to break down the recruiting business model and why it has become one of the most overlooked opportunities for entrepreneurs and professionals looking for freedom and flexibility.

Jon explains how recruiters earn 20% commissions on placements, why small and mid-sized businesses desperately need outside recruiting help, and how many people are building recruiting businesses part-time before transitioning full-time. He al...

What if putting wasn’t about guesswork—but about numbers, precision, and repeatable results?

In this episode, Mitch Carson sits down with Bob Labbe to discuss the creation of Putting by the Numbers, a groundbreaking system designed to transform long-distance putting through science, simplicity, and consistency. Drawing from his engineering background, Bob developed a practical method that helped him reduce his putts dramatically and lower his golf score by as much as 14 strokes.

Bob explains how his “Individual Power Factor” system removes uncertainty from putting by turning distance, slope, and gree...

Digital transformation is supposed to help businesses grow—but for many companies, ERP and CRM implementations become expensive nightmares.

In this episode, Mitch Carson sits down with Dustin Domerese to uncover why so many technology projects fail, what companies consistently overlook, and how leadership decisions can either save or sabotage an entire organization.

Dustin reveals the shocking statistics behind ERP and CRM project failures, including how some implementations threaten the survival of the business itself. He explains why frontline workers—not just executives or IT teams—must be involved early, how “shadow IT” creates hidden operationa...

What truly drives entrepreneurial success—skills, strategy, or something deeper?

In this episode, Mitch Carson sits down with Gorm Tuckson to explore a powerful journey shaped by immigration, resilience, and an unwavering pursuit of opportunity. From arriving in the U.S. as a teenager to building businesses across industries, Gorm shares how his life experiences shaped his mindset and fueled his entrepreneurial path.

This conversation goes beyond business tactics. Gorm dives into the importance of mentorship, the shift from chasing success to building legacy, and why authentic relationships are the real currency in business. He al...

What separates average communicators from truly persuasive ones? It all comes down to storytelling.

In this episode, Mitch Carson sits down with Michael Stockham to explore how powerful storytelling drives success in the courtroom, on stage, and in the world of self-publishing. Drawing from his experience as a trial lawyer and author, Michael reveals how clarity, simplicity, and emotional connection can influence decisions, captivate audiences, and build lasting impact.

They dive into why traditional presentations fail, how overuse of PowerPoint weakens engagement, and what it really takes to stand out in today’s short-attention economy. Mi...

What does it really take to grow from a handful of clients to a thriving, systemized business—without burning out or losing control?

In this episode, Mitch Carson sits down with Hadley Nightingale to unpack the real journey behind scaling a boutique property business from just 3 properties to 35, while building a lean, profitable team of 13–14 people.

This conversation goes beyond strategy. Hadley shares the operational lessons, leadership shifts, and personal battles—including navigating divorce and custody challenges—that shaped his mindset and forced him to focus on what truly matters.

From building SOPs and elim...

What if the behaviors parents try to “fix” are actually signals we’re meant to understand?

In this powerful conversation, parenting expert Dr. Susan Thomson and coach Barbara Wainwright break down a radically different approach to parenting—one rooted in emotional safety, connection, and unconditional love.

From understanding tantrums as unmet needs to the long-term damage of conditional love, this episode challenges traditional discipline methods and offers a more effective, compassionate path. The discussion also dives into the deeper work of professional coaching, revealing why true transformation requires more than mot...

What makes a brand truly work—and why do so many fail before they even realize it?

In this episode, branding expert Christian Helms breaks down the real purpose of branding beyond logos and aesthetics. From knowing when to rebrand to building authentic connections in a digital-first world, this conversation dives deep into what separates thriving brands from those quietly fading away.

We also explore how agency culture impacts creative output, why AI can’t replace real strategy, and the powerful case study behind Big Rock Brewery’s 47% revenue growth...

In this episode of Amazing Authorities, Mitch Carson sits down with Marianne Hickman to explore how authentic connection, consistent practice, and a clear message can transform public speaking into both a powerful business tool and a force for positive impact.

Marianne shares how her journey began at just three years old speaking in church, later winning regional speaking competitions in school. But it wasn’t until years later that she realized what truly separates memorable speakers from forgettable ones: the ability to inspire and emotionally connect with an audience.

Th...

In this episode of Amazing Authorities, Mitch Carson speaks with Regina Linke about how she built a creative career by blending traditional Chinese philosophy, modern illustration, and strategic digital marketing.

Regina shares her unique journey as a Taiwanese-American artist who grew up immersed in both Eastern and Western cultures. After studying traditional Chinese painting in Taiwan, she discovered that competing purely as a traditional artist wasn’t the right path for her life and family priorities. Instead, she embraced digital tools like Procreate to merge classical techniques with modern illustration.

...

In this episode of Amazing Authorities, Mitch Carson speaks with Susan Thomson about a powerful shift in parenting philosophy—from punishment-based discipline to compassionate guidance that strengthens emotional health and family relationships.

Drawing from over 20 years of experience in addiction counseling and family support, Dr. Thomson explains that discipline should never be about fear or punishment. Instead, it should guide children toward understanding their emotions, behaviors, and the impact of their actions. When parents focus on emotional attunement rather than control, children develop stronger communication skills and healthier long-term relationships.

...

In this episode of Amazing Authorities, Mitch Carson sits down with Leigh Brown to discuss reinvention, leadership, and how purpose-driven work can reshape a career.

Leigh shares how her transition into disaster relief work in 2024 transformed her outlook and inspired her latest book about overcoming disruption, doubt, and the final push needed to reach breakthrough moments. Moving from a purely revenue-focused mindset into service through nonprofit work, she now balances impact and entrepreneurship in a hybrid career.

The conversation explores Leigh's journey from being a reluctant public speaker to commanding keynote fees of up to $20,000...

In this episode of Amazing Authorities, Mitch Carson interviews Ben Olmos about the journey from hourly labor jobs to academia, corporate leadership, and building a growing media platform focused on entrepreneurship and leadership development.

Ben shares how his first book blends personal experience with academic research to help managers, leaders, and entrepreneurs develop stronger leadership skills. Drawing on career experience from companies like The Coca‑Cola Company, McDonald's, and The Walt Disney Company, he designed the book around ten core leadership topics supported by research, podcast insights, and real-world case studies.

In this episode of Amazing Authorities, Mitch Carson speaks with Abhi Asiha about how building goodwill, transparent marketing, and smart financing strategies can transform land investing into a scalable and sustainable business.

Abhi shares a powerful formula he uses to explain business growth: revenue equals goodwill multiplied by the number of offers made to customers. Rather than relying on one-time sales, his strategy focuses on building relationships and creating multiple opportunities to serve each buyer. This mindset turns simple transactions into long-term customer relationships.

To build that goodwill, Abhi’s team prioritizes tr...

In this episode of Amazing Authorities, Mitch Carson sits down with Ruth to explore how profound personal loss reshaped her life, her career, and her mission to help others heal.

After losing her sister to stage four cancer and her mother shortly after, Ruth found herself navigating grief on every level — emotional, physical, and spiritual. What began as attending grief support groups became a calling to help others process loss in healthier ways. In 2020, she earned a master’s degree in mental health and wellness with a focus on grief and bereavement and now work...